Recently retired Melbourne veteran Nathan Jones believes only players in the starting 23 of the successful side should be awarded premiership medals.
The 33-year-old has been on the fringe of Melbourne’s best team throughout the season but couldn’t force his way into the lineup for most of the year.
He was with his Demons teammates in Perth for the club's finals campaign but made the call to return to Melbourne to be with his wife for the birth of their twins after the Preliminary Final win over Geelong.
The 302-game veteran retired shortly after, calling time on his career on September 15.
There has been a push for all players on a premiership list to receive a medal, to accommodate for situations like Jones’, who has given his all to the Demons for 16 seasons.
Western Bulldogs forward Josh Bruce is also unable to be with his team after sustaining an ACL injury late in the season, and voiced his opinion last week that all players on a premiership list should be rewarded.
However, Jones doesn’t agree with the push that could see him presented with a medal, saying “there are hard luck stories every year”.
“I’d like to keep the tradition alive,” he told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“I don’t adhere to the view that the entire list should (get a medal).
“This game is a ruthless game and there are hard luck stories every year, but ultimately it’s about the 23 on Grand Final day.”
The former captain believes he gets enough credit internally for the work he and others not in the best 23 do, and that is all he needs.
“I’d like it to stay the way it is. Everyone across our list - and internally within (other) football clubs, I’d assume it is the same - gets acknowledged for their contribution and their efforts in terms of helping the group to that point,” he said.
“But ultimately it’s the 23 on the day who need to get it done.
“If you’re lucky enough to be in that position, you’ve seized your opportunity. I think that’s part of the game and good luck to you, if you win it, you deserve the medal.”
Jones’ Demons have a chance to break a 57-year premiership drought by beating the Bulldogs in the AFL Grand Final at Optus Stadium on Saturday.